Nona (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place primarily in Nona's home, a cozy domestic setting centered around a small living room with a staircase. The space emphasizes everyday life and ordinary routines, acting as a memory archive for the family.

• setting
• location
• home
• living room
• domestic

The movie is set in the present day, featuring familiar technology like television and depicting everyday activities such as watching TV, moving between rooms, and visiting relatives. There is no historical or elaborate context, the contemporary setting keeps the story intimate and relatable.

• time period
• present day
• contemporary
• modern

The film explores three interconnected themes: Memory, focusing on how Nona's rituals and回忆 shape her identity; Family, highlighting the intergenerational dynamics between Nona, her daughters, and grandchildren; and Imagination, showing how fantasy and play can heal emotional wounds and bridge gaps between generations.

• themes
• memory
• family
• imagination
• grief

Nona is an elderly grandmother portrayed by Nadya Arina. She is a grieving widow who clings to the ritual of watching her late husband's wrestling show, E.W.W. Smashdown. Her journey involves confronting grief while navigating her relationship with her granddaughter Renee, ultimately finding connection through play and imagination.

• nona
• grandmother
• character
• role
• grief

Renee is Nona's granddaughter, a curious and energetic child who disrupts Nona's viewing routine. Her presence triggers emotional responses and leads to a fantasy wrestling sequence that deepens the bond between grandmother and granddaughter, transforming frustration into a moment of shared joy.

• renee
• granddaughter
• character
• child

Grief is central to Nona's character arc. Her ritual of watching her late husband's wrestling show represents her connection to him and the loss she feels. When the TV is destroyed, her emotional breakdown exposes her vulnerability. The film explores how grief lingers and how new relationships, like with her granddaughter, can help heal old wounds.

• grief
• loss
• husband
• mourning
• emotional

The E.W.W. Smashdown Wrestling show represents Nona's cherished ritual with her late husband. Watching it together was their shared activity, and doing it alone now keeps his memory alive. When Renee interrupts this ritual, it triggers Nona's grief and frustration, showing how deeply the loss impacts her daily life.

• wrestling
• e.w.w. smashdown
• ritual
• husband
• memory

The film portrays intergenerational family dynamics with both friction and warmth. Nona's frustration with Renee's interruptions reveals generational gaps, but the story ultimately suggests reconciliation through shared play. The family includes daughters, grandchildren, and the elder figure, forming a support system that balances dependency with care.

• family
• generations
• relationships
• grandmother
• granddaughter

Imagination serves as a healing mechanism in the film. The fantasy wrestling sequence between Nona and Renee transforms irritation into laughter and creates a bridge between grief and joy. This imaginative play opens space for trust and closeness, turning a household mishap into a memorable shared experience.

• imagination
• fantasy
• wrestling
• play
• healing

The film has a bittersweet tone, it deals with loss and grief but balances sorrow with warmth and humor. The emotional weight is medium, as the story avoids overwhelming darkness and instead focuses on intimate domestic frustrations that resolve into uplifting connection. The ending achieves heartfelt connection while acknowledging ongoing minor frustrations and the lingering absence of the husband.

• tone
• bittersweet
• emotional
• mood